Ap bio

Unit 1: The Chemistry of Life

  • Basic Chemistry: Atoms, molecules, and chemical bonds (covalent, ionic, hydrogen).
  • Biomolecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids (structure and function).
  • Water: Properties of water and its significance to life.

Unit 2: Cell Structure and Function

  • Cell Theory: All living things are composed of cells.
  • Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells: Key differences in structure.
  • Organelles: Functions of the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, chloroplasts.
  • Membrane Structure: Phospholipid bilayer, transport mechanisms (passive vs active transport).

Unit 3: Cellular Energetics

  • Metabolism: Catabolism vs. anabolism.
  • Enzyme Function: Factors affecting enzyme activity (temperature, pH, substrate concentration).
  • ATP: Importance in energy transfer; cellular respiration and photosynthesis.

Unit 4: Cell Communication and Cell Cycle

  • Cell Signaling: Types of signaling (autocrine, paracrine, endocrine, direct contact).
  • Cell Cycle: Phases (interphase, mitosis, cytokinesis), regulation, cancer.
  • Apoptosis: Programmed cell death and its significance.

Unit 5: Genetics

  • Mendelian Genetics: Laws of segregation and independent assortment, Punnett squares.
  • Molecular Genetics: Structure of DNA, replication, transcription, translation, and mutations.
  • Gene Regulation: Operon model in prokaryotes, eukaryotic gene regulation.

Unit 6: Evolution

  • Theory of Evolution: Mechanisms of evolution (natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow).
  • Evidence for Evolution: Fossil record, biogeography, comparative anatomy, molecular biology.
  • Speciation: Types of speciation (allopatric, sympatric).

Unit 7: Ecology

  • Levels of Ecology: Organism, population, community, ecosystem, biosphere.
  • Ecological Relationships: Interactions (predation, competition, symbiosis).
  • Biomes: Major terrestrial and aquatic biomes and their characteristics.

Unit 8: Human Impact on the Environment

  • Biodiversity: Importance, threats (habitat destruction, pollution, climate change).
  • Conservation Biology: Strategies for conserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Sustainable Practices: Importance of sustainable development and reducing human impact.